What impact does aging have on the spine?​

What impact does aging have on the spine?

Back or Neck Pain Affects Most of Us – But There’s Help

You’d be surprised – nearly 85% of people will experience some sort of back or neck discomfort – often lower back pain – at some point in their lives. As we get older, the chances of developing back pain just naturally skyrocket – and it’s largely because our spines go through changes that come with age.

You’ve got an incredible amount of movement in your back – thanks to 33 tiny vertebrae that make up your spine. These vertebrae are connected by soft, squishy intervertebral discs that act like shock absorbers, keeping the bones from grinding against each other while still allowing for all that flexibility you need.

But over time, those discs can just start to dry out and wear down. When that happens, the vertebrae end up rubbing against each other instead – which is when you start to feel the stiffness, and the discomfort, and of course the pain that sets in. In some cases, the space around the spinal cord starts to narrow – a condition known as spinal stenosis – which puts pressure on the nerves & often leads to pain, numbness, or even weakness.

Other age-related factors that can maybe contribute to back pain include:\

• Arthritis\

• Osteoporosis – bone density loss\

• Muscle strength and flexibility that’s just not what it used to be

Now, I know what you’re thinking – a little back ache now and then is just part of getting older. But – severe or persistent pain is not something you have to live with. Back pain just isn’t a done deal – and there are people & resources out there to help you out.

So why wait? Give us a call today and we can get you set up with the right treatment options to get you on the road to feeling better.